Contrary to those with other chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, people with chronic mental health and substance use disorders have been criminalized. The difference is, in part, that people with untreated mental illness may act in ways that seem frightening or threatening to the general public. According to the National GAINS Technical Assistance and Policy Analysis (TAPA) Center for jail diversion, “when effective treatment is available, people with mental disorders and without substance use problems present no greater risk to the community than people in the general population.”

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This is my first posting as a newly elected Depoe Bay, Oregon, City Councilor. It is fitting and timely to use the League of Oregon Cities Local Focus publication, entitled Mental Health, Can’t we do better? as a reference.

I attended my first workshop in Manzanita, Oregon, this last week to receive training as a newly elected official. The training was very valuable as I hit the ground running. A big picture view of Oregon legislative priorities for 2015 was presented to help focus on the larger issues of our great State of Oregon, including mental health.

As a new Depoe Bay, Oregon City Councilor with a personal interest in mental health awareness. I am putting a special focus on this important topic during my term in office. Following are some of the actions we are taking in Oregon and in local communities like Depoe Bay to do more in providing improved mental health services.

Quote from page 29 of the referenced LOC Local Focus…• Preventative mental health care in the form of “drop-in”services should be available to all Oregonians regardlessof where they live.The League believes that access to urgent care for mentalhealth will allow those suffering from an illness or conditionto be triaged and receive immediate treatment orwhere appropriate, referrals for treatment. This will avertunnecessary, unhealthful and sometimes tragic interactionswith law enforcement personnel.• Proactive, mobile crisis intervention should be availablestatewide.The mobile crisis intervention approach has reducednegative encounters between police and the mentally ill.Resources should be provided so such services are availablethroughout the state.• Every police officer in the state of Oregon should haveaccess to training in how to respond to a mental healthcrisis.The state should provide public safety personnel with accessto instructions from mental health professionals thatwould equip officers with skills to respond in a way thatde-escalates conflict and helps the affected individual andtheir family receive appropriate care.• The number of regional residential mental health facilitiesshould be expanded.Jail should not be the only option to secure an individualexperiencing a mental health crisis. Safe and secure mentalhealth care beds will allow those in need to avoid jail,which could worsen their condition.

It is an honor for me to serve the citizens of greater Depoe Bay, Oregon for the next 4 years. As a rural community we have many challenges in community building and in sustaining the precious legacy of our town. We are also focused on economic development and providing state of the art infrastructure utilities and services.

In addition to my regular blog postings on the topic of Children and Families in Life After Trauma, I will be providing updates on more global mental health issues related to rural communities. I am grateful for the support of my community of friends, followers, and family who read this blog. Please share your comments at the end of this posting.

Community Building Click for more on my recent article, “How to Treat “Silo Disorder,” a Detriment to Community Growth and Vitality… Quote from article…by Steve Sparks

“I was asked again yesterday, what is meant by my reference to a rural community sickness coined by me as “Silo Disorder.” For starters click on the highlighted text link that defines a “silo” mostly connected with a farming community where grain is stored in tall cylinder structures close to rail transportation. My work over the past 25 years in rural community building projects reveals that the greatest challenge and obstacle to overcome at the beginning of any project for the “greater good” is to get our neighbors and community leaders to talk to each other, build relationships, discover teamwork, and find common ground… We often refer to this process as leadership, but I don’t believe defining leadership initially helps…it is too subjective. Leadership means different things to folks and the dots are rarely connected unless there is a reference to something tangible and attention getting like “silo disorder.” If we all stay in our tiny sheltered world of self interests only, we never see the light of day or the bigger picture of what we should be talking about to build community vitality where new opportunities are discovered…where innovation happens…where we begin to find new social investment capital never before realized by creating public private partnerships (PPP)… click for graphic images…”

Following is my candidates statement found on page 21-11 of the Voters’ Pamphlet… Click highlighted text for Oregon General Election for November 4, 2014…

“I believe in the empowerment of community building and outreach strategies through collaborations and partnerships with local, state, and federal government, public private non-profits, private sector, and volunteers, all critical partners for community growth and vitality. Effective team building and collaborative commitments in Lincoln County have proven to be a successful enterprise, enhancing the quality of life for children and families, especially in education.

As a US Navy veteran from the Vietnam era and a post WWII military child, I am passionate about caring for veterans and families as a commitment to their sacrifice of service to protect our freedoms during all wars past and present. We have an eternal obligation and debt that can never be fully paid back to those who have served America in the military, as a first responder or in public service. We can never thank appreciate enough the service of the hundreds of volunteers in Lincoln County who work tirelessly and passionately to make a difference in our community. The spirit of volunteerism is ever present right here in Depoe Bay.

As a City of Depoe Bay Councilor, I promise to be fair, objective, and compassionate about community service with the goal of achieving the very best quality of life and economic growth for all citizens for generations to come. It is my duty and heartfelt honor to serve!!!

Mental Health First Aid for Seniors

Reconciliation: A Son’s Story by Steve Sparks

A Gift To Every Reader
By John F Tyson on April 18, 2015 Format: Kindle Edition Writing is a solitary process that requires purging, especially when it comes to a memoir. Not many would have the courage to reveal the depth and toxicity of PTSD at such an intimate level, on a complete family. To me, this book is a wonderful gift and will bring comfort to those who continue the struggle. An inspiring quote, buried in the copy, says it all; "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; It's about learning to dance in the rain". I highly recommend this book.

My Journey of Healing in Life After Trauma, Part 1, Kindle $2.99

What Parents, Teachers, and Mentors Must Know!

When Daddy Comes Home

Social Media Tools

Holden Village, A Memoir by Werner Janssen

I was taken by your quote at the end of chapter 1..."Miracles happen when freedom within nature and the human life are allowed to develop through relatively free interaction but without too much organizational interference." This is the magic sauce of innovation and entrepreneurship! Free wheeling brainstorming among kindred spirits! Steve Sparks

Beatles #1 Deluxe Limited Editon..very cool!

Adventures in Innovation by John F. Tyson

"Kindred Spirits!"
By Steve Sparks on April 21, 2015 Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase "Innovation and entrepreneurship" is the soul of a successful business enterprise. The Nortel story and legacy is both inspiring and sad. The "lessons learned" are well worth the price of admission... A must read for leaders, educators, and students everywhere!